November 21, 2002

Alabama native W. Kelly Johnson, a pioneer missionary and pastor, died Sept. 26 after more than 60 years in the ministry.

Johnson was a full-time pastor for 44 years and an interim and supply pastor for an additional 20 years.

He served as pastor of Alabama churches in the Riverview, East Tallassee and Montgomery areas after graduating from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, ion 1940.

After his retirement in 1979, he and his wife, Louise, became pioneer missionaries, serving in the Philippines and Japan through the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Upon his return to the United States, Johnson continued to preach on a supply and interim basis. Hi is the author of the book, “This Will Preach – Even Better When Practiced.”

Johnson is survived by his wife, Louise, three sons and three daughters-in-law.